Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1094854
B M & T ••• January/February 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7 BANC OF CA STADIUM IS A GAME-CHANGER Designed by Gensler, Banc of California Stadium, a 22,000- seat development, is the first open-air stadium built in Los Angeles in over 30 years. With over 100,000 sq. ft. of event space conveniently located in Exposition Park just three miles from the heart of downtown, the new stadium is a game- changer. It offers premium amenities and hospitality spaces throughout the venue, including event rooftops, specialty bars and a chef-driven international food hall The Fields LA. Perfect for any sized event including conferences, socials, and festivals, the stadium is equipped with state-of-the-art tech- nology and the best sightlines of its type, framed by views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline. GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER AUTHORITY SELECTS HILTON HOTELS FOR HEADQUARTERS HOTEL BRAND The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) has landed on a hotel brand, recently announcing Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been selected as its headquarters hotel operator. "We are thrilled to welcome another Hilton property to Atlanta's extensive hotel portfolio," said Mark Vaughan, executive vice president and chief sales officer, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The new proper- ty adds to Downtown's growing convention and enter- professional goals." Ongoing funding and support for the IHL comes from the Cincinnati region's largest tourism driver, the Cincinnati Music Festival, presented by P&G. For three years, the festival has partnered with the Cincinnati USA CVB to host the "Party with A Purpose" concert on Thursday night. As part of a partnership, $7 from every Thursday ticket sold is donated to the IHL. On behalf of the Cincinnati Music Festival, Fran Santangelo DiBattista presented a check for $14,000 to the IHL at Wednesday's graduation ceremony, representing the continued invest- ment in the program. "Through the IHL, we are demonstrating the power and the collaborative spirit of Cincinnati's hospitality industry and making a rewarding career attainable for all, regardless of race, socioeconomic status or background," said Jason Dunn, vice president of multicultural sales and community development at the Cincinnati USA CVB. "There is so much more to come – so much potential for this program and these students." tainment district, creating more options for guests visiting the destination for events and meetings." In September, the GWCCA narrowed its search to Hilton and Hyatt Hotels Corporation, eliminating Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group, who were shortlisted from an original list of six contenders. "We are humbled by the overwhelming interest in the headquarters hotel project. While the final two competing brands were both fantastic, our Board felt strongly that Hilton stood out, bringing to the table a partnership that will result in a one-of-a-kind guest experience," said Frank Poe, executive director of GWCCA. "Our attention is now focused on finalizing the qualified management agreement, a room block agreement, and entering the design development phase to include brand influences." The planned hotel, which will sit on part of the former Georgia Dome site, will be owned by the GWCCA and be physically connected to Building C of the Georgia World Congress Center. Groundbreaking on the project is expected in 2019 Banc of CA Stadium Jason Dunn, Cincinnati USA CVB